Ever walked into a shop, or scrolled through an online store, and suddenly you’re buying something you hadn’t planned for?

That little voice in your head saying, ‘Go on, treat yourself’?

We’ve all been there.

Impulse spending.

It’s a bit like having a sweet tooth. You know it’s not good for you. But it’s so hard to resist.

But what if you could learn to control those urges and make other choices with your money?

The Money Part: Breaking the Impulse Spending Habit

• Remove Temptations: Delete shopping apps and remove saved card details.
• Set a Waiting Period: Wait 24 hours before making non-essential purchases.
• Create a Budget: Allocate money for specific needs and wants.
• Use Cash: Withdraw a set amount of cash for spending.

These strategies can help you make more conscious spending decisions.

The Real Life Part: Feeling More in Control and Less Regret

It’s not just about saving money. It’s the feeling of being in charge.

The relief of not having that nagging feeling of buyer’s remorse.

It’s the satisfaction of knowing you’re making better choices. Not just giving in to every little whim.

Sometimes, we feel like we’re missing out if we don’t buy something. But, often, the feeling of regret is much worse.

You might tell yourself, ‘It’s just a small treat.’ But those small treats add up and can derail your financial goals.

• Reduced Stress: Less worry about overspending.
• Increased Savings: More money for important goals.
• Improved Self-Control: Feeling better about your spending habits.

These tips can help you break the impulse spending cycle.

Tips:

• Identify Triggers: Recognise what makes you want to spend.
• Find Alternatives: Find free or low-cost ways to entertain yourself.
• Use a Shopping List: Stick to your list and avoid impulse buys.
• Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails: Reduce the temptation to buy.

Taking control of your impulse spending helps you build a healthier relationship with money and achieve your financial goals.

It’s about learning to say, ‘not yet,’ or ‘not today’.